PhD Studentship: In-situ Measurement and Modelling of Crevice Corrosion Kinetics in Stainless Steel

Research theme: "Corrosion Modelling", "Finite Element Modelling"

Funded project for UK students. Other students may be eligible to apply if top up funding applications can also be made (please see the project description for funding options). Tuition fees will be paid and you will receive a tax free stipend (depending on circumstance) set at the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25).

The occurrence of crevice and pitting corrosion with exposure to marine environments is key challenge for the application of stainless steels. Crevice corrosion has been reported in seawater pump components, with the location of damage typically linked to the presence of occluded regions. For example, gaps between flanges, washers and bolts, the interface beneath heat insulation jackets, or even tight metal-metal contact sites can lead to crevice corrosion. These sites then facilitate local differences in chemistry, leading to the nucleation of localised corrosion. This PhD project will address challenges in understanding crevice corrosion in seawater environments, with a focus on obtaining and modelling crevice corrosion initiation sites and propagation kinetics. Information about local nucleation sites as a function of environment, microstructure, and electro-chemical potential will be determined via in-situ imaging techniques. The data will then be used to furnish a Comsol crevice corrosion simulation model, with the aim to optimise crevice geometries to extend component lifetime. The key objective of this project is to develop a better understanding of the controlling factors to allow prediction and management of crevice corrosion in stainless steel pump components. This project is expected to provide novel insight into the behaviour of crevice corrosion in stainless steels.

Project Outline

The aim of this project is to investigate the effect of environment and crevice geometry on the nucleation and propagation of crevice corrosion in different grades of stainless steel. A key focus will be the characterisation of nucleation sites and measurement of crevice corrosion growth kinetics as a function of environmental exposure conditions, relevant to seawater exposure. The project will combine Finite Element Modelling using the COMSOL modelling package with experimental corrosion tests and electrochemical measurements to understand the critical environmental parameters for crevice corrosion. The corrosion model developed will be used to simulate the effect of design and environmental factors on the initiation and growth kinetics of corrosion.

Industrial Collaboration

This project is part of an ongoing collaboration with Grundfos, one of the world’s leading pump manufacturers, represented on the pump market for over 70 years. The Danish Grundfos Group operates in more than 55 countries, producing circulator pumps for heating and air-conditioning as well as centrifugal pumps for water supply, industry, sewage and dosing. More information is available via www.grundfos.com

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2.1 honours degree or a master’s (or international equivalent) in a relevant science or engineering related discipline. The project would suit someone with an interest in computer simulation and numerical modelling, and in electrochemical science or corrosion, although no previous experience in these areas is required.

Please contact the supervisor, before you begin: Dr Stevens: Nicholas.Stevens@manchester.ac.uk

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